Nearly 8 million people call Long Island home, and it’s the most densely populated island in the entire country. Within that large number of people there are many who have made mistakes – including mistakes that have led them to face drug charges. Here at Law office of Naiburg, Obedin, and Weissman, we’ve learned over the years that the more people know about these charges, the better prepared they are for the different things that occur afterwards.
There are a few key things you’ll want to remember if you’re facing drug charges. Possession laws have changed over the years, and today New York drug crime laws are some of the strictest in the country. Here are some of the things you should know if you’ve been charged with drug crimes.
- Different offenses bring different penalties. Drug charges range from simple possession to possession with intent to distribute to manufacturing and beyond. Each one has its own charges and potential penalties. You need to know what you’re charged with and what it might mean to you.
- Possession is a broad charge. You might not realize it, but just being in a room where drugs are found is enough to net you possession charges. Under New York law it’s much easier to be charged with this crime than most people realize, and just because the drugs weren’t yours doesn’t guarantee that you’ll be found innocent.
- Drugs are all different. Different drugs bring different charges. Marijuana is usually considered a smaller offense than heroin or cocaine, and as such the different charges you might face will depend on the drugs you’re found with.
- Additionally, the amount you possess has an impact as well. If you have less than 25mg of Ecstasy, you may just get a misdemeanor. Once you reach 5 grams, you could face felony charges and nearly 10 years in jail.
- An attorney is the best ally you’ll have when you face drug charges. As much as you may think you know about law, the reality is that you won’t know anywhere near as much as a drug crimes lawyer. A good attorney can help you determine the best course of action and how to get the best possible outcome from your efforts. There’s no way to know for sure how your case will go, but having a pro on your side can certainly help.
Simply put, drug crimes are very difficult to defend and can bring some serious penalties. You’ll want to get the right kind of help for your charges, and that means getting the right attorney to work on your side.